Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks

The transformation of low-voltage distribution grids toward decentralized, user-centric models has increased the need for advanced metering infrastructures capable of ensuring both visibility and control. This paper presents a self-diagnostic advanced metering solution based on power-line communicat...

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Main Authors: Matías Ariel Kippke Salomón, José Manuel Carou Álvarez, Lucía Suárez Ramón, Pablo Arboleya
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1746
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author Matías Ariel Kippke Salomón
José Manuel Carou Álvarez
Lucía Suárez Ramón
Pablo Arboleya
author_facet Matías Ariel Kippke Salomón
José Manuel Carou Álvarez
Lucía Suárez Ramón
Pablo Arboleya
author_sort Matías Ariel Kippke Salomón
collection DOAJ
description The transformation of low-voltage distribution grids toward decentralized, user-centric models has increased the need for advanced metering infrastructures capable of ensuring both visibility and control. This paper presents a self-diagnostic advanced metering solution based on power-line communication deployed in a segment of the Spanish distribution network. The proposed infrastructure leverages the existing power network as a shared-media communication channel, reducing capital expenditures while enhancing system observability. A methodology is introduced for integrating smart metering data with topological and operational analytics to improve network monitoring and energy management. This study details the proposed metering infrastructure, highlighting its role in enhancing distribution network resilience through asynchronous energy measurements, event-driven analytics, and dynamic grid management strategies. The self-diagnostic module enables the detection of non-technical losses, identification of congested areas, and monitoring of network assets. Furthermore, this paper discusses the regulatory and technological challenges associated with scaling metering solutions, particularly in the context of increasing distributed energy resource penetration and evolving European Union regulatory frameworks. The findings demonstrate that a well-integrated advanced metering infrastructure system significantly improves distribution network efficiency, enabling proactive congestion detection and advanced load management techniques. However, this study also emphasizes the limitations of PLC in high-noise environments and proposes enhancements such as hybrid communication approaches to improve reliability and real-time performance. The insights provided contribute to the ongoing evolution of metering infrastructure technologies, offering a path toward more efficient and resource-optimized smart grids.
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spelling doaj-art-bfeff21930a24da0a7a2fde69441aa3a2025-08-20T03:06:27ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-03-01187174610.3390/en18071746Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution NetworksMatías Ariel Kippke Salomón0José Manuel Carou Álvarez1Lucía Suárez Ramón2Pablo Arboleya3LEMUR Research Group, Universidad de Oviedo, 33204 Gijón, Asturias, SpainLEMUR Research Group, Universidad de Oviedo, 33204 Gijón, Asturias, SpainLEMUR Research Group, Universidad de Oviedo, 33204 Gijón, Asturias, SpainLEMUR Research Group, Universidad de Oviedo, 33204 Gijón, Asturias, SpainThe transformation of low-voltage distribution grids toward decentralized, user-centric models has increased the need for advanced metering infrastructures capable of ensuring both visibility and control. This paper presents a self-diagnostic advanced metering solution based on power-line communication deployed in a segment of the Spanish distribution network. The proposed infrastructure leverages the existing power network as a shared-media communication channel, reducing capital expenditures while enhancing system observability. A methodology is introduced for integrating smart metering data with topological and operational analytics to improve network monitoring and energy management. This study details the proposed metering infrastructure, highlighting its role in enhancing distribution network resilience through asynchronous energy measurements, event-driven analytics, and dynamic grid management strategies. The self-diagnostic module enables the detection of non-technical losses, identification of congested areas, and monitoring of network assets. Furthermore, this paper discusses the regulatory and technological challenges associated with scaling metering solutions, particularly in the context of increasing distributed energy resource penetration and evolving European Union regulatory frameworks. The findings demonstrate that a well-integrated advanced metering infrastructure system significantly improves distribution network efficiency, enabling proactive congestion detection and advanced load management techniques. However, this study also emphasizes the limitations of PLC in high-noise environments and proposes enhancements such as hybrid communication approaches to improve reliability and real-time performance. The insights provided contribute to the ongoing evolution of metering infrastructure technologies, offering a path toward more efficient and resource-optimized smart grids.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1746advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)power-line communication (PLC)active network management (ANM)
spellingShingle Matías Ariel Kippke Salomón
José Manuel Carou Álvarez
Lucía Suárez Ramón
Pablo Arboleya
Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
Energies
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
power-line communication (PLC)
active network management (ANM)
title Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
title_full Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
title_fullStr Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
title_full_unstemmed Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
title_short Self-Diagnostic Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Power-Line Communication: A Study Case in Spanish Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
title_sort self diagnostic advanced metering infrastructure based on power line communication a study case in spanish low voltage distribution networks
topic advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
power-line communication (PLC)
active network management (ANM)
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/7/1746
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